Should I Adopt a Tripod Dog?

Thinking about adopting a dog? Consider a tripod dog — or a dog who’s missing a limb. These amazing animals are often overlooked, or even pitied, despite their love and resilience.

“I can see where people would be intimidated, but tripods deserve to be given a chance just like any other dog,” says tripod dog mom Pat Beyer. Her pup Nathan lost his front leg before adoption due to an injury, but as Beyer says, “He doesn’t know he’s missing that front leg.” She adds that neither do most people when they spot him running at the dog park. 

Dogs with three legs, like Nathan, generally adapt remarkably well. Caring for a three-legged dog only requires a few minor adjustments. In return, they offer a lifetime of loyalty and joy.

Tripod dog care 

Wondering what it takes to provide a safe home and enjoyable daily activities for a tripod? We’ve gathered advice from experts on accessibility, exercise, and more.

Provide a safe home environment  

Tripods don’t need many home modifications, but they do require traction, traction, and more traction, according to Renee Agredano, founder of Tripawds, an online community of parents to three-legged pets. 

Simple ways to add traction to reduce slips and falls include:

• Covering hardwood floors with rugs that have a plastic backing

• Applying traction tape to hardwood stairs

• Providing pet steps to hard-to-reach spots such as the bed and couch

• Using baby gates to block access to stairs 

Agredano adds that tripods can go up and down the stairs, but it can be challenging. “Front-legged tripods have a harder time going down stairs than going up, and the opposite is true for rear-legged tripods.” If your dog needs extra support, a harness with a back safety handle lets you assist them while taking stress off their joints. 

Know your three-legged dog’s physical limitations 

While tripod dogs are incredibly adaptable, it’s important to know their physical limits and manage their activity accordingly. “There’s a perception that tripods can do anything, and they really can because that’s the nature of dogs. However, it’s our responsibility as pet parents to help prevent injury,” Agredano says. 

A canine rehab therapist can evaluate your dog and help you create the best exercise plan that suits their abilities. Agredano is such a believer in tripod dogs seeing canine rehab therapists that her nonprofit, Tripawds Foundation, will reimburse the cost of your initial consultation. “It isn’t an ongoing, long-term commitment. Even one evaluation is super educational,” she says.

Ask your vet about joint supplements

Get ahead of orthopedic care through diet and supplements. Tripods are at risk of orthopedic injuries and developing early onset osteoarthritis because their working legs are picking up the slack for the missing fourth. Talk to your vet about whether a special diet containing fish oil could be beneficial, or if adding a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin could help your dog. 

Maintain a healthy body weight

“What’s even more important, is that a tripod dog maintains a lean body weight,” Dr. Palermo says. Studies show that maintaining a dog’s ideal body weight reduces the onset of joint disease and extends the life of the pet. It can also reduce the likelihood of common orthopedic injuries in tripods, such as cruciate tears (similar to ACL tears in humans).

Consider pet insurance

Pet insurance is beneficial when it comes to covering unexpected illnesses, injuries, and, depending on your plan, routine care. However, orthopedic disease and injury may not be covered under certain plans for tripods, as they may be categorized as preexisting conditions. 

Ask the insurance provider for a medical-records review. “They can tell you what will be covered and what will be preexisting,” Agredano says. Another option is to consider an insurance plan that covers preexisting conditions, such as AKC Pet Insurance. This plan requires a one-year waiting period. 

Mobility aids and accessories for tripod dogs

Social media videos of tripods zipping around in a dog wheelchair might make it seem like tripod dogs require expensive equipment. While some benefit from mobility aids, others don’t. A canine rehab therapist can assess your dog’s needs and recommend helpful tripod dog accessories. These may include:

• Harnesses for three-legged dogs: Harnesses tend to slip on front-legged amputees while those with a missing back leg will have an easier time wearing any harness. “We’ve found that Ruffwear’s Flagline Harness tends to slip the least,” Agredano says. Plus it has a back safety handle, a feature Dr. Palermo recommends for all tripods. 

• Toe grips: While carpets provide grip, some tripod dogs may still prefer walking on cooler hardwood or tile floors. When that’s the case, Agredano recommends Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips. “They go around a dog’s nail like a rubber band and add traction,” she says. 

• Assistive devices: This includes wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs. Talk to a canine rehab therapist and/or your veterinarian before making this investment.   

• Dog strollers: Recognizing signs of pain or fatigue, like frequent sitting during walks, is crucial. A stroller allows your tripod to get out and walk, but take breaks when needed. Agredano adds that dog strollers and wagons are especially helpful in multi-dog homes. “A four-legged dog is always going to want to go longer than a three-legged dog and the three-legged dog is always going to want to keep up.” 

Adopting a tripod dog 

If you’re considering adopting a dog, you might worry that because a dog only has three legs they can’t play with other pups or kids. But Dr. Samantha Palermo, a relief veterinarian and partner at Evette, says the number of legs a dog has isn’t the deciding factor. Whether or not a dog can be in a home with kids or other pets, or how suitable they are to any family depends on their temperament, training, and proper introductions. 

You can search Adopt a Pet for dogs and filter by special needs, along with other criteria such as breed, age, and other qualities that are important to you. There may also be a tripod dog rescue in your area, such as Pets With Disabilities in Prince Frederick, Maryland. This is where Beyer and Nathan’s story began.

Commonly asked questions

What kind of vet needs should I anticipate with a tripod dog?

Three-legged pups are typically on the same vet schedule as their four-legged friends, unless their leg was removed due to an underlying disease that needs further treatments, such as cancer. As your tripod ages, they may experience joint pain sooner than dogs with four legs and are generally more susceptible to joint and cartilage injuries.

How can I get assistance with vet bills? 

Seeing a canine rehabilitation specialist and following their exercise suggestions can reduce the likelihood of an injury. Your first visit can be reimbursed by the Tripawds Foundation. For routine and surprise veterinary bills, financial support is out there. Animal welfare organizations, charities, and nonprofits often provide financial assistance for pet care. Some veterinary clinics might offer payment plans or discounts for those facing financial hardship.

How much does a dog cost?

Adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter usually costs several hundred dollars. Adoption fees include spay or neuter surgery and essential vaccinations. Breeders charge significantly more, often between $1,000 and $5,000, for a purebred puppy. Remember, the cost of a dog will end up being more than the upfront fees, including lifelong veterinary care, food, and supplies. 

References

Kinematic Adaptations to Tripedal Locomotion in Dogs

Leg Amputation: Will My Dog Be Okay?

Tips for Adopters of Three-Legged Dogs and Cats